Page 235 - The Microworld Miracle

a surface, she explains, the claws try to grasp the surface. If the
claws are unable to catch onto the surface, they retract and the foot-
pad comes into action. The footpad quickly unfolds and inflates
with blood, protruding between the claws and enabling the adhe-
sive pad to stick to the surface. The footpad then deflates and folds

back. The entire process takes just tens to hundredths of a second,
and is repeated with each step, rapid-fire, as the insects skitter
along. In addition, the footpad secretes a fluid that allows the in-
sects to adhere to smooth surfaces, "the same way a wet piece of pa-

per can stick to a window," says Brainerd. The dynamic nature of
the arolium provides varying levels of stickiness, depending on the
surface. 119

Geckos have spe-
cial adhesive pads
on their feet that
allow them to walk
with ease on verti-
cal walls and even
across ceilings. HARUN YAHYA

(ADNAN OKTAR)
233